By Angela Chen
Angela Chen is a journalist who covers science and technology.
Medically reviewed by Neha Pathak, MD
June 21, 2021
As you pace your pharmacy waiting for someone behind the glass to prep your prescription, time can drag. But did you ever wonder how long it actually takes to create a new drug?
About 12 years and $1 billion are spent getting a medication ready. Artificial intelligence (AI) aims to speed that up.
The goal: More medicines for rare diseases. Fewer side effects. Personalized treatments. In less time and at a lower cost.
At least 230 companies use AI to help develop new drugs. But for all the hype, AI has yet to bring a drug to market on its own. Will it live up to its promise and save lives?
For people like Laura Roix, new treatments can't come soon enough.